Table 2. Characteristics of 133 study patients.
| Characteristic | All (n=133) | Intervention group (n=58) | Control group (n=75) | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age (s.d.) | 46.1 (21.5) | 48.5 (22.4) | 44.3 (20.7) | 0.26 |
| Female sex | 73 (54.9%) | 35 (60.3%) | 38 (50.7%) | 0.27 |
| ED Triage score, median* | 3.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 0.30 |
| English first language | 111 (83.5%) | 45 (77.6%) | 66 (88%) | 0.11 |
| Final ED diagnosis | ||||
| Abscess, Incision & Drainage | 6 | 3 | 3 | |
| Allergic reaction | 4 | 2 | 2 | |
| Ankle sprain | 7 | 1 | 6 | |
| Atrial fibrillation | 6 | 6 | 0 | |
| Back strain | 6 | 3 | 3 | |
| Bell’s Palsy | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| Broken bone, with splint | 25 | 7 | 18 | |
| Burns | 3 | 1 | 2 | |
| Cellulitis | 8 | 4 | 4 | |
| Cut, stitches or staples used | 14 | 7 | 7 | |
| Cut, glue or tape used | 6 | 4 | 2 | |
| Diverticulitis, uncomplicated | 2 | 1 | 1 | |
| Ear infection, inner – Otitis media | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| Gastroenteritis, viral / vomiting & diarrhea | 2 | 0 | 2 | |
| Gout attack | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| High blood pressure, out of control | 4 | 1 | 3 | |
| Kidney stone | 4 | 1 | 3 | |
| Miscarriage, possible | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
| Head injury, minor, with concussion | 6 | 3 | 3 | |
| Nosebleed | 8 | 3 | 5 | |
| Palpitations | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| Rib fracture or contusion (broken or bruised ribs) | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| Shingles | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| Sciatica | 2 | 1 | 1 | |
| Sore throat (pharyngitis) | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
| Urinary retention | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| Urinary tract infection | 2 | 1 | 1 | |
| Whiplash/neck strain | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| Vertigo (peripheral) or “the spins” | 3 | 1 | 2 | |
ED: emergency department
Using Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale, score 1 (highest acuity) to 5 (lowest acuity) [16]